Size:  Adults may range from 7-17 inches (18-43.2 cm) in females and 5-9 inches (12.5-23.5 cm) in males.
Description:  A large, flattened, aquatic turtle whose carapace and plastron are covered by rubbery skin. Softshells have a sandpaper-like texture to their leathery shell.  Olive-gray to yellowish brown coloring with patterns of spotting are found along the carapace. They also have a long neck and a tubular nose that they breathe through like a snorkel.
Range and Habitat:  Eastern Spiny Softshells (Apalone spinifera spinifera) are found in the extreme western mountains of North Carolina.  Gulf Coast Spiny Softshells (Apalone spinifera aspera) are found in southern regions of North Carolina, ranging north along the major river systems. Although they may be found in all fresh bodies of water where sand and mudbars are present, softshells prefers large streams and rivers.
Behavior:  These turtles are strong swimmers in the water and fast movers on land.  Softshells often bask on sandbars and will often lie buried in sand in shallow water, using their long necks are used to protrude to the surface of the water to obtain air. Although they will sometimes leave the water to bask they are generally very wary and often rush to the water at the first sign of an intruder. Softshells feed primarily on fish, crayfish, and aquatic invertebrates.
Reproduction: Spiny Softshells generally lay 12 - 18 spherical brittle-shelled eggs in the early summer. It is thought that females may lay multiple clutches per season. Nests are generally located close to water, often on sand or gravel bars. Young emerge about 80 days later and are usually 3 - 4 cm across.
Status:  Eastern Spiny Softshells are listed as a special concern species under North Carolina law.

Range of the Spiny Softshell in the Carolinas and Virginia

Blue = Eastern Spiny Softshell

Green = Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell